A word about Stambouli
There was an exciting end to Saturday's 2-1 win against Sunderland, and, several talking points, including, of course, the officials' failure to allow what was a perfectly legal and good third goal for Spurs.
Chris Foy (and his officials) got another dismal mark from the Spurs Odyssey voters. We've only seen Mr. Foy twice this season. The other occasion was at Upton Park on the opening day, when Mr Foy awarded a handball against Kyle Naughton and was then convinced by his assistant that a goal-scoring opportunity was prevented.
Mr. Foy had different assistants this time, but again heeded the advice of his over-excited assistant, despite being yards from the critical action itself. It's a good job the result was not affected, but it is just another example of Spurs being severely hard done by a goal decision.
Hugo Lloris again won the man of the match vote, with Eriksen the leading outfield player.
However, I really should give some overdue credit to Benjamin Stambouli, who had arguably his best game yet for Spurs. Indeed, I commented to that effect in conversation after the game, but admit to an oversight in not mentioning him in my match report. I've received or seen plenty of other favourable comments about Stambouli, who really seems to have found his feet now. I felt that he kept very tight to his man, winning plenty of challenges. I can't say I recall him putting a foot wrong.
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Results 17-19.01.15
A. Villa 0-2 Liverpool
Burnley 2-3 C. Palace
Leicester 0-1 Stoke
QPR 0-2 Man Utd
Swansea 0-5 Chelsea
Spurs 2-1 S'derland
Newcastle 1-2 S'hampton
West Ham 3-0 Hull
Man City 0-2 Arsenal
Everton 0-0 West Brom
Barclays Premier League
P W D L F-A GD Pts
1. Chelsea 22 16 4 2 51-19 32 52
2. Man City 22 14 5 3 45-22 23 47
3. S'hampton 22 13 3 6 37-16 21 42
4. Man Utd 21 11 7 3 36-20 16 40
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5. Arsenal 22 11 6 5 39-25 14 39
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6. Spurs 22 11 4 7 32-30 2 37
7. West Ham 22 10 6 6 35-25 10 36
8. Liverpool 22 10 5 7 31-27 4 35
9. Swansea 22 8 6 8 26-30 -4 30
10. Stoke 22 8 5 9 23-27 -4 29
11. Newcastle 22 7 6 9 26-35 -9 27
12. Everton 22 5 8 9 30-34 -4 23
13. C. Palace 22 5 8 9 25-33 -8 23
14. West Brom 22 5 7 10 20-29 -9 22
14. A. Villa 22 5 7 10 11-25 -14 22
16. S'derland 22 3 11 8 19-33 -14 20
17. Burnley 22 4 8 10 21-36 -15 20
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18. Hull 22 4 7 11 20-30 -10 19
19. QPR 22 5 4 13 23-39 -16 19
20. Leicester 22 4 5 13 20-34 -14 17
